Shoaib Akhtar was renowned throughout his career for his blistering pace, lethal bouncers and stump-rattling yorkers. Combined with his long hair and lengthy run-up, the former Pakistan fast bowler earned the nickname “Rawalpindi Express.” During the 2003 World Cup against England, he created history by bowling at 100 miles per hour, a world record that remains unbroken to this day. Now, Shoaib wants Bangladesh’s Taskin Ahmed to surpass that landmark.
Shoaib will work as mentor of Dhaka Capitals in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League. On Monday, at a press conference held ahead of the franchise’s signing ceremony at a five-star hotel in the capital, the former Pakistan pacer was asked about his expectations from the Dhaka Capitals players. Shoaib replied, “I want Taskin to break my pace record.”
Taskin is set to play for Dhaka in the 12th edition of the BPL, which begins on 26 December. The right-arm fast bowler has been signed directly by the franchise. Praising Taskin, Shoaib added, “I think Bangladesh’s pacers can go a long way. Look at Taskin, he is very sharp and focused. I want to motivate them so that they learn how to win matches.”
Explaining why he agreed to take on the mentor’s role with Dhaka Capitals, Shoaib said, “I love this country very much. I had been eager to come to Bangladesh for a long time, but it was not happening. Everyone knows how much affection I have for Bangladesh, and I have seen throughout my life how much Bangladesh loves me. So thank you very much. I am truly happy to be here.”
The 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League will begin on 26 December in Sylhet. After matches in Chattogram, the country’s premier cricket tournament will conclude in Dhaka.
